****Editorial****
Let me put some of the recent events into perspective. Multiple ethics complaints were filed with the city's ethics board - both on me and others. All complaints were found unfounded and frivolous.
Multiple complaints were filed with the Texas Ethics Commission both on me and others. All were dismissed except mine - I chose to pay a civil penalty to avoid the expense of a hearing. Here is a quote from a legal entity that reached out to me -
"I am reaching out because I saw the news story on your recent Ethics Commission fine, which (as I read it) essentially punished you for anonymous political speech. Under Doe v. State, decided by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2003, the Court recognized that Texans have a right to anonymous political speech." and further states -
"I am concerned that the Ethics Commission is not following established case law in enforcing the Texas political laws and am working on a project to identify abuses and solutions."
No mention was made of the others on social media that posted under assumed names - Obe Wan Kanobe and John Doe come to mind. Who were they? They were part of the opposition.
The recall petition failed. I'm pleased but not surprised. This was built on exaggerated claims and much unsubstantiated information, much like the continued attacks me and on other city issues.
Enough about me. Attacks were made on the Police Station PAC Chairman and Treasurer - complaints to the Texas Ethics Commission. Errors that were made on signs happen every year, candidates are notified and make corrections. This made the front page of the View because of the ethics complaint that was dismissed, no mention of the fact that the candidate that filed these complaints had multiple violations on Lohmans - in fact, the picture in the View showed one of those signs in the right of way.
Front Page in the View - "Excessive Force Suit Filed" Lakeway and Bee Caves Police - September 14, 2017. Almost 2 months ago. Have you seen a followup? Almost 2 months ago! The city has never been served. Why you ask? No case. This was from an incident that happened in September 2015 - The good news? Our forward thinking police and city had body cameras back then - it's all recorded. NO CASE!
We have a GREAT, well run city, there is no rampant corruption as some would have you believe. I have to wonder what the real intent of all this is - it's not for the betterment of Lakeway. I intend to continue to work with the other elected officials and staff to keep Lakeway the wonderful city we moved here to enjoy. Thank you for listening!
**** End Editorial ****
You might have seen signs advertising a "Town Hall" meeting this week. This is a group of citizens that want to talk about what to do with the land behind HEB. There are actually 7 properties involved in this area. I would love to attend but because of the Open Meetings Act, I will avoid the meeting and suggest other elected officials and commission members do the same. If a quorum should be present of any group, there is no doubt a lawsuit or complaint will be filed. I intend to do a seminar soon on what we know about the properties once I have more information. At this time most of the answers to questions would be "I don't know". Here is a link to a column I wrote that was published in the View....
Here is a link to a Development Update - it shows some of what is in process and proposed in the city.
ZAPCO met in regular session Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. No citizens were present. Here is a link to the agenda. Item 8 was a Short Term Rental that was approved after some discussion. There were 3 noise complaints spread over 3 years. A letter will be sent to the owner emphasizing any further complaints could result in termination of the SUP.
All other items were approved without fanfare and the commission, staff an I made it home to see the Astros win the World Series! Go Astros!
While we are on sports, Lake Travis won against Vista Ridge last night 51-7. This was the last home game of the season!
Here's the latest update from Dallas Gorman on events at the Activity Center.
As of yesterday, 1400 votes were cast at the Randall's early voting site. Lakeway area voters have exceeded 10% but folks need to get out and vote. Two things that affect Lakeway are the county bond for parks that will pay for the proposed sports park on the land the city purchased several years ago - lets get the funds to finish this project. The other issue that affects us is the school bond. Education is important to the area and I hope you will support it.
Staff met with a developer interested in construction a new two-story medical office building (MOB) at Lakeway Medical Village. It would contain about 30,000 square feet of space.
From the Chief:
LPD Officers conducted 249 traffic stops, responded to 13 alarm calls, responded to 24 animal calls, responded to 14 collisions, answered 13 suspicious circumstances calls and handled 89 other types of calls for service for a total of 402.
Routine traffic stops resulted in the following charges; Out of Jurisdiction Warrant X 2, Driving while Intoxicated X 2, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia X 3.
Officers were dispatched to Baylor, Scott & White hospital in reference to a mental health evaluation. Upon arrival officers met with a patient in the emergency room. After investigation, officers issued a peace officers emergency detention orders for the patient to remain at the hospital for further treatment.
Officers responded to an Explorer St. address in reference to a subject threatening to harm himself. After speaking with the subject, EMS was called to the scene to transport the subject to the hospital. Officers completed a peace officer’s emergency detention order and delivered it to hospital staff. The subject was admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Detectives followed up on a report of an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle incident that was reported to be taken from the 5300 block of Serene Hills Drive. The vehicle was recovered by the Carrollton Police Department late last week. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time and the alleged suspect was located inside a residence not far from the vehicle. The vehicle was impounded and the suspect was released from the scene by officers.
Detectives initiated a fuel pump inspection on the Lakeway gas stations in an effort to inspect and check for skimming devices which are used to capture and compromise credit card information. The inspection resulted in 54 credit card readers being checked and with negative findings for skimming devices.
Detectives attended a two-day training hosted by the Hill Country Children’s Advocacy Center in Marble Falls that focused on investigations into child abuse and child fatality cases. The training focused on medical aspects of child abuse; forensic investigation techniques; child death cases, natural, accidental vs. homicide; timeline development; and case studies.
Detectives attended training hosted by ARIC (Austin Regional Intelligence Center) in Austin on Contemporary Counter-Terrorism. The training provided foundational knowledge in the study of both domestic terrorism as well as radical Islamic Terrorism. The course provided an overview of the history and culture of Islam to allow attendees to better understand and interact with growing refugee communities. The goal is to provide attendees with relevant information to increase effectiveness in both professional interactions with the growing refugee community statewide as well as combating terrorist tactics aimed at their communities.
Animal Control Officer Greig attended the Lions Club Dog Walk on Saturday. During this week Animal Control responded to a deer attack on a dog; 5 dogs at large calls, and turned over an Animal Cruelty case to Travis County for follow up investigation.
Detectives and the Crime Scene Technician participated in Drug Take Back on Saturday and collected 357 lbs. All drugs were surrendered to DEA for destruction.
The eighth annual Public Safety Day was held on October 28th at
participating agencies. To all of the volunteers, sponsors and attendees, thank you for participating in this wonderful event!
Astronaut Alan Shepard's daughter to speak at Veterans Day Event. Here is a link to all the info.
That's all for now. If you would like to be added to my email list, send a note to lakeway@bain.us and I'll get you added (or removed). Questions are always welcome - I do answer my emails!
Joe Bain
lakeway@bain.us
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